Fallout Equestria: Memories of Lyra

“It is finished. Hold out your hoof,” said a familiar voice. My eyes were shut, foreleg outstretched. A small object was placed in my hoof. I lifted the object to my mouth and bit slowly, savoring each mouth-watering bite. The flavor was like an explosion of flavor and texture, like taking Juniper’s specialty and turning it into a candy. “Do you like it?”

“Bon Bon...” I opened my eyes slowly to see the yellow mare from last time, eyes expectant. “This is by far, the best apple-carrot taffy you have ever made. I think you’ve finally perfected the recipe.”

“I’m glad. I hope Applejack will like them just as much as you do, love.”

“I’m sure she will. After all, last time she--” *CRASH thud crash!* “Oh, hello Derpy.”

“Mail for Lyra Heartstrings!” My host climbed back to her hooves and accepted the letter.

“Thank you.” Derpy saluted then flew out through the wall. Yes, the wall. I imagine it couldn’t have been very comfortable.

“Well, go on. Open it.” I did so and read silently:

“Dear Lyra,

I know we had made plans to meet up today so I could try Bon Bon’s candy, but I won’t be able to make it. Tension with the Zebras is mounting, and I’ve just been asked to act as an intermediary along with Twilight, Rainbow Dash and the others for this next set of meetings. I’m sorry to disappoint you. Maybe when this all blows over, ok?

Until next time,
Applejack

P.S.: Celestia says ‘Ponify me.’ I don’t get it, since she’s already a pony. Do you know what that’s supposed to mean?”

“It’s actually happening...” I muttered.

“What’s going on, Lyra?” asked a curious Bon Bon.

“Talks are going on between Equestria and the Zebra Nation about the treaty. Talks that I don’t think are going to end well.” I set the note down on the countertop and began to remove items from the display case.

“Are you suggesting that we’re going to go to war?”

“Not suggesting. Predicting.”

“You’re not saying that because of human mythology, are you?”

“As soon as we made that stupid treaty, history was set into motion, and history always repeats itself. Even across mythology.”

“Oh, Lyra! Don’t you have any hope for Ponykind anymore? You’ve become so wrapped up in your books and stories that you’ve lost sight of the goodness in front of your face. We aren’t humans! We might make it through this without bloodshed!” I paused my work and looked sternly at Bon Bon.

“Humans were a lot like us. They may not have had magic or flight, or even four hooves, but they had governments and diplomacy. They rarely resorted to military force until negotiations had broken down, just like what’s happening here. The longer this goes on, the more likely war will start.”

“I refuse to believe ponies and zebras can’t work something out. Why can’t we just trade the materials like the agreement outlines?”

“Because both sides want the better end of the deal. Neither side wants an even split like the agreement dictates. From the moment of its birth, it was destined by history to fail.” I resumed my task.

“And what if you’re right? What if Equestria and the Zebra Nation end up fighting? Don’t they know that we have magic on our side as well as ponies capable of flight? They can’t win, so why not just let the talks go through?”

“It’s not that simple, Bon Bon. The zebras have potions and talismans, which can be much more effective than spells. On top of that, they’re usable by any zebra, not just a single spellcaster. We don’t have anything like that. No, it may be the zebras who win.”

“Then what are we going to do, Lyra? If there really is no way to avoid a war, and the zebras have the advantage, what can we do?” My host hesitated.

“Bon Bon, I have a confession to make. I’ve been keeping something secret from everypony. A big secret, even from you.”

“What sort of secret?” she asked, shocked.

“One of the human leaders once said ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick’. What that means is start with negotiation, but always be ready and able to beat your enemy senseless if you have to.”

“I don’t understand. How is your secret related?”

“It’s a little ironic, really. I’ve spent much of my later life trying to be more like a human, but now I’ve made something to be more suited to a pony. Ever since the coal-gem agreement was created, I’ve been working on a project called ‘Project Ponification’. It’s taken a lot of research, development, and time, but I've finally finished it. This will be Equestria’s ‘Big Stick’.”

“What project?”

“This project.” My host pressed a hidden button, opening a compartment which held an object so familiar to me, yet so foreign to its surroundings that my heart leapt in shock.

“Bon Bon, this is what the ancient humans would call a ‘Rifle’.”